Into Film Clubs
Find out everything you need to know about starting an Into Film Club.
Nine new documentaries exploring influential figures in the arts and urgent societal issues are now available to watch on our free* streaming service for schools, Into Film+, thanks to our partnership with ERA (the Educational Recording Agency).
These factual programmes, which include co-productions by the BBC and The Open University, are produced with academic, journalistic and creative expertise that is engaging and accessible for young audiences. As mostly one-hour episodes, they lend themselves to classroom viewing and cover topics including Shakespeare, classical music, the film industry, knife crime and sign language.
History and the Arts
The BBC's Rise of a Genius series profiles the lives and works of people who were masters in their field. From the world of literature, we retrace the stories of author Jane Austen and playwright William Shakespeare. We also dive into the biography and compositions of musical prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Each series contains three episodes, in which prominent actors, comedians and historians explain the innovative brilliance and legacy of their creative output, along with evocative re-enactments of key periods of their lives.
Modern Media
From historical to contemporary trailblazers in the arts, the following documentaries highlight the ground-breaking work of musicians, storytellers and artists who have embraced 20th century mediums to convey powerful messages. Film composer Hans Zimmer reveals the musical secrets of his craft used to create the unforgettable soundtracks for films such as Inception, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Dark Knight. A three-part series charts the rise of Black actors and filmmakers in Hollywood, with insight from some of the biggest stars in the industry. And elusive street artist Banksy is the subject of a BBC report that digs deep to understand the political and deeply human relevance of his graffiti and installations.
Change Makers
Finally, we bring three documentaries that offers a unique lens on social change, identity, and activism. Reflecting on her own experiences and interviewing others, actor Rose Ayling-Ellis challenges perceptions of deafness and celebrates inclusive communication. A new feature-length documentary explores the global impact of George Floyd's death and the call for racial justice, focusing on British perspectives. And actor Idris Elba confronts the rise in youth violence in the UK and seeks solutions through community action. These documentaries empower students to think critically, empathise deeply, and become agents of change.
Please note: Film is a powerful tool for learning, helping to develop critical thinking, empathy, and an understanding of different perspectives. Our films have been selected with consideration to age-appropriateness, safeguarding, the curriculum and statutory and non-statutory guidance to schools. Some of our films and resources include sensitive content which is highlighted in the guidance that Into Film provides with each film. Educators should carefully watch or read all elements of any content and must ensure they are following their own school's policies and guidelines prior to using films and resources in the classroom or in after-school clubs. The final decision to use any film or resource sits with teachers, who should decide what is appropriate for their students using their professional judgement and their knowledge of their students, their school context and their community. Teachers must follow their school's safeguarding protocol if a student is distressed or makes a disclosure as a result of the use of any film or other content.
How Do I Get Started?
To access Into Film+, all you'll need is an Into Film Account - it's completely free, and only takes a moment to set up. Into Film+ is free to use for all UK state schools that hold a valid Public Video Screening (PVS) Licence from Filmbankmedia.
Filmbankmedia PVS Licences are paid for on behalf of schools by all local authorities in England and by some local authorities in both Wales and Scotland. Into Film NI cover the license cost for some schools in Northern Ireland. For further information on licensing in your locality please see our FAQs.
These documentaries are licenced via the Educational Recording Agency (ERA) and require an ERA Licence to be viewed. The vast majority of educational establishments in the UK are already covered by an ERA Licence. You can check the ERA Licence status of your organisation here.
ERA are an organisation that support the education sector by making it easy for schools, colleges and universities to harness the power of audio-visual broadcast materials for non-commercial, educational purposes.
* Screenings for an entertainment or extra-curricular purpose require a PVS (Public Video Screening) Licence from Filmbankmedia. State-funded schools in England are covered by the PVS Licence.
The core Into Film programme is free for UK state schools, colleges and other youth settings, thanks to support from the BFI, awarding National Lottery good cause funding, and through other key funders including Cinema First and Northern Ireland Screen.
